2007-2008 "what are my chances"/"what should I do"/"where to apply" Thread

[jpatzi]

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Retaking some classes could help, BUT......With your MCAT score, you will have no problem getting an interview. I would still apply and if you can get in without retaking classes, excellent. Worse case scenario, you have to retake a semester or to. I say apply and see where that takes you. Good luck.

 

[DrMattOglesby]

i was told by an adcom that the only reason you should retake a class is to learn the material--NOT to raise your GPA.
because it would be expected that you can get an A in the course the second time around! so instead, he told me that if i wanted to retake a class--that i should take a higher level course within that same discipline.
which is not going to happen....there is no way i want to take calc based physics =[

 

[DO dreamin]

Thanks Texastriathlete... sometimes the most obvious thing is overlooked during this hellish rat race.

 

[MaximusD]

it's your choice but you should really only apply when your application is at its strongest... being early helps a great deal.

Your choice.

 

[almo88]

Hello all. I'm finished with my degree and my pre-reqs and will be taking the mcats in january. I plan to apply in June 08 but thought what the hell, i might as well apply to the few schools with an April deadline. I realize that getting in so late in this cycle is very slim but i figure its worth a shot.

I have a 3.4 gpa and 3.5 science (3.7 bcmp) ?mcat >24

My question is this- if i do this will it hurt my chances for 08? Are reapplicants generally looked upon as bad (regected from previous) or good (dedicated)

TYIA

Personally, I would wait another year. If you do, it will save you A LOT of money and it will give you a much greater chance of being accepted--due to rolling admissions. It's your choice, but I would advise against it.

 

[Kappy1]

If you have the money to burn and the schools will accept a January MCAT, give it a shot. The worst thing that will happen is that you will re-apply early the following year. I would though recommend getting all other parts of your application ready, that way the processing of your application should hopefully move quicker. I hope you are accepted into the school of your choice. Good Luck!!!

 

[gt2007]

Cum GPA: 3.53
Science: 3.272
MCAT P9/V7/B9 Total 25Q

ECs include volunteering at hospital, community clinic, treasurer and assist vp of organizations, shadowing with doctors D.O.'s and MD's. Etc...

What are my chances at getting into a D.O. School?

 

[rddoms]

Good stats for DO, as per what I have seen.

 

[irvineishome]

i know you all are sick of these, but i really feel hopeless here. just got my mcat scores back and got a 22Q!!!8PS, 8BIO, 6 VR!!!!....so i just dont know if i should even apply this year. ive already submitted my aacomas and all and started recieving secondaries. here are my stats.
uc irvine bio major
3.4 science
3.3 overall
clinical research with a few pubs
volunteered over 100 hours in the hospital
other volunteer experiences as well.
I applied to these schools:
a.t. still kirksville
midwestern arizona
midwestern chicago
DMU
PCOM
Touro MI
COMP Western Univ
NYCOM
UNECOM
what do you guys think??thanks again i have class until 4, so i hope ill have some advice when i check back. thanks everyone!

 

[rddoms]

I have friends in a class of 2010 that have similar stats. It is worth applying.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Why did you get a 6 on VR? Just practice those passages over and over and get it up. I got a 6 on my first practice test, and improved to an 11 in a matter of months.

 

[StrengthDoc]

It can still be worth applying this cycle, but you may want to increase the number of programs you apply to. I would look at some of the newer programs that are still getting their averages up.

 

[EEL08]

You and I should form a club. I have roughly the same GPAs and I got a 22O on the MCAT. My score breakdown though was 9 VR 6 PS 7 BS. I am definitely applying this year. I am starting to work on secondaries and will let each school know that I plan on taking the January MCAT as an update to my file. I think since you've already submitted you might as well continue with the process and see what happens.

 

[irvineishome]

im soooo frustrated. i dont know what happend. i dont know if i should apply or not. ugh!!!!!

 

[EEL08]

im soooo frustrated. i dont know what happend. i dont know if i should apply or not. ugh!!!!!

Honestly I think you should go ahead and fill out those secondaries. You already paid the fees to AACOMAS. You would be considered a reapplicant next year whether or not you followed through on the secondaries. If you go ahead and still try for this year you may or may not be a reapplicant next year. If you decide to just wait until next year you will definitely be a reapplicant. One of the things I will probably do, but not sure yet, is tell all the schools I plan on taking the January MCAT and hopefully they will take those scores as an update. That way if I'm on a waitlist it may help get me off and if I haven't gotten any interviews yet it may help me there. Whatever you decide

 

[irvineishome]

You and I should form a club. I have roughly the same GPAs and I got a 22O on the MCAT. My score breakdown though was 9 VR 6 PS 7 BS. I am definitely applying this year. I am starting to work on secondaries and will let each school know that I plan on taking the January MCAT as an update to my file. I think since you've already submitted you might as well continue with the process and see what happens.

hopefully we will both make it. let me know how your progress goes!!!

 

[EEL08]

hopefully we will both make it. let me know how your progress goes!!!

I will definitely let you know and keep me updated as well. My only concern about telling schools that I will retake in January is that I don't want my app to get put on hold. On the other hand I don't want to be outright rejected because of my low MCAT score. My top choice is LECOM-B so I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

 

[huckaaa]

So, here are my stats...

3.19 overall gpa
2.97 science (3.3 bio, chem, and physics only)
3.19 non-science
* I've retaken 24 hours of classes as post bacc so this is my gpa after.
mcat 9/10/10

shadow'd 2 DO for three months, paid experience in OB/GYN, and volunteer at Boys and Girls Club.

Any advice would help me! Anybody with similar stats?

 

[dcdrt]

I hate to ask a question everyone asks too often. I want to know what you all think. What should I do? What are my chances? I am 33. I have been a Chiropractor for 5 years now. I really want to expand on my training. I graduated with my Doctorate in Chiropractic with a 3.0. My Undergrad was 3.1. I took the MCAT Aug 6 2007 and I got a 19O. I should have studied more. My scores were VR 8, PS 7, BS 4, and WS O. I was disappointed with the Biology score. I know bio well. I didn't plan my test time well. But, I don't know oraganic chem well. It hit me hard. I have a lot of ECs, I was a CNA for 3 years in undergrad and 5 yrs as a chiropractor, so, I have a lot of patient contact. I have good LORs and I am getting one from a DO that I have referred patients back and forth with several times. I really want to get into DO school. Should I apply now and retake the MCAT in January, or retake the MCAT and apply next year? I'd appreciate some thaughts.

 

[jbarredo]

I say apply. DO schools will see that you are already a chiropractor that wants to expand on his training... It wouldn't hurt to make a phone call to some admissions and inquire directly either. DO schools also tend to have quite a broader age bracket of students. I was looking at some stats of who goes to MD/DO schools and I think that's the place for you if that's what you want to do. You just have to find the right school. Although it wouldn't hurt to bring that biological sciences score up.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I know its been a while since you've been in college and taken all those courses, so I don't think any school would expect you to blow the doors off the MCAT, but that is the lowest score I have ever heard of. Review the subjects better, take a prep course, and it will all come back to you. Then take it again, and you'll be ok.

 

[JaggerPlate]

I personally think you should retake the MCAT and then apply (if it's really what you want). You obviously have great EC's, a lot of life experience, and a leg up on a lot of non trad students because you have been a DC for 5 years. However, this thread will probably get moved because in the FAQ at the top of the threads, there is a huggeee thread where all of the 'what are my chances' posts are moved to. Check those out as well, because they could help you gauge your chances personally. If you want it, go for it. I think you have a unique edge, and with an improved MCAT score, could really do well.

 

[HunterPB]

Here goes nothing...given the wonderful re-take GPA policy, I'm targeting DO schools.

I *think* my current UG GPA is 2.94 per the DO calculations (I used one of the spreadsheets someone had posted here a while ago). This includes 2 post-bacc math classes I took over the past couple of years. That assumes that - Ws don't affect your GPA, and that my grades from my semester abroad count (my undergrad didn't calculate them into my GPA there, but they are listed on my transcript - anyone know?). Is this right?

I have a MS in broadcast journalism w/approx 3.6 I believe. Also, a 4.0 in two other grad courses I took. (I realize this doesn't count for much)

I have no sciences other than 2 Ws and a B in a neuroscience (would that count?) and have just started a post-bacc program.

The reason my UG GPA is so atrocious - simple immaturity/poor habits - I didn't do the work/didn't go to class. No excuse. I've resolved that issue.

Other stuff:

Worked in health/pharma communications for 5 years

Starting hospital volunteer work in the next month or so (after I do the orientation) Have volunteered at a birth center with laboring women in the past (as a doula), but it was relatively short-lived

Strong interest in breastfeeding medicine/eduction and hope to put in a good chunk of time w/a doc who specializes in such

Hope to have an opportunity to be co-author on some published/presented research (probably involving cardiovascular disease in ethnic/socioeconomic groups)

Come from a family of physicians (don't know if this is good, bad, or neither here nor there)

Married w/2 kids

And...I would really, really like to stay in New York. CT and NJ would be good too.

Any thoughts? A snowball's chance in hell, perhaps??

 

[Ilikescience]

Here goes nothing...given the wonderful re-take GPA policy, I'm targeting DO schools.

I *think* my current UG GPA is 2.94 per the DO calculations (I used one of the spreadsheets someone had posted here a while ago). This includes 2 post-bacc math classes I took over the past couple of years. That assumes that - Ws don't affect your GPA, and that my grades from my semester abroad count (my undergrad didn't calculate them into my GPA there, but they are listed on my transcript - anyone know?). Is this right?

I have a MS in broadcast journalism w/approx 3.6 I believe. Also, a 4.0 in two other grad courses I took. (I realize this doesn't count for much)

I have no sciences other than 2 Ws and a B in a neuroscience (would that count?) and have just started a post-bacc program.

I'm confused. You have only taken a neuroscience course? What about prereqs (gen chem, ochem, molecular bio, etc)? You will need these courses to get in. If you are doing a postbac in premed, then you are ok, but I would suggest you apply next cycle. Med schools want to see stats right when you apply. Also, it will be late to take the MCAT for this cycle.

My advice to you is put all your energy into your postbac program and MCAT. When spring rolls around start investigating schools that interest you. Apply the first day applications open! Good luck

 

[HunterPB]

I'm confused. You have only taken a neuroscience course? What about prereqs (gen chem, ochem, molecular bio, etc)? You will need these courses to get in. If you are doing a postbac in premed, then you are ok, but I would suggest you apply next cycle. Med schools want to see stats right when you apply. Also, it will be late to take the MCAT for this cycle.

My advice to you is put all your energy into your postbac program and MCAT. When spring rolls around start investigating schools that interest you. Apply the first day applications open! Good luck

Sorry if I wasn't clear. The neuroscience satsified my undergrad science requirement (Drugs & Behavior, got a B I think). Correct, I have not taken any prereqs. I'm taking Bio now in post-bacc.

I'm thinking at least 2 years of post-bacc before applying, just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice on my stats going into post-bacc.

 

[LikesScience]

Hey guys,
Got my AACOMAS GPA calculations, 3.56 science, 3.36 overall. I got a 30 on the MCAT, research experience, clinical employment, clinical and non-clinical volunteering, etc. Anyways, I've designated CCOM, PCOM, and DMU. I have a MD letter, but no DO letter. Thinking of adding a school or two, possibly NYCOM. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[rezin385]

overall gpa: 3.43
science gpa: 3.22
other gpa: 3.56
first MCAT: 24M (9P, 6V, 9B)
second MCAT: 23M (8P, 7V, 8B)

1 year as ER volunteer
EMT-B certified
2 years as ER/Trauma Room Tech
SBA (Spanish Bilingual Assistant) certified
1 year as spanish interpreter volunteer
2 year mission for my church in Bolivia
Various other volunteer and clinical experiences.

Do I have a chance this year??? Also, are there any schools that appreciate bilingual english/spanish speakers?

Thanks for all your input.

 

[Jpc984]

overall gpa: 3.43
science gpa: 3.22
other gpa: 3.56
first MCAT: 24M (9P, 6V, 9B)
second MCAT: 23M (8P, 7V, 8B)

1 year as ER volunteer
EMT-B certified
2 years as ER/Trauma Room Tech
SBA (Spanish Bilingual Assistant) certified
1 year as spanish interpreter volunteer
2 year mission for my church in Bolivia
Various other volunteer and clinical experiences.

Do I have a chance this year??? Also, are there any schools that appreciate bilingual english/spanish speakers?

Thanks for all your input.

I think you have a shot this season. You have good ec's. Is a SBA the person that translates for docs? I saw this while shadowing an internist and thought it was pretty cool. I am just thinking logically, but I would think that Nova and the schools in Cali would appreciate spanish.

 

[myr11]

It seems to be that a January MCAT would not be considered or at least not strongly considered for the 2008 Cycle, however when asking the schools it seems that you can submit them but your chances are a lot lower. For some reason I was under the impression I was ok for the 2008 cycle with a January MCAT, I should have realized I guess. Anyway regardless of my stats, I graduated last spring and currently I am finishing my prereqs which are just organic chem 1 and 2. I am also retaking physics 1 to improve my grade, as well as Anatomy and Physiology to be a full time student. So my question is without an MCAT score and without grades for organic chemistry do I have a chance of admission for next fall? What do I need to pull off in order for admission? If I do great on the MCAT and ace all of my classes do I have at least a chance? I don't understand why they wouldn't consider a January MCAT...Would they turn my application right away for this cycle or do they have to wait for MCAT score and ochem grade and put me on hold or something until further records?

 

[Jpc984]

They will probably put you on hold for your MCAT scores.

 

[myr11]

They will probably put you on hold for your MCAT scores.

And if there are still spots once they get my scores it would be possible for the 2008 cycle?

 

[Jpc984]

The simple answer is yes, there is a chance. If you take the January mcat, the scores come out in ~February. This is late in the cycle. You might find yourself waitlisted. Any other opinions?

 

[myr11]

Thanks for the quick responses as always, any other opinions appreciated also.

 

[Gpan]

Do you think I have a chance with a 6 on verbal?
My stats:
GPA: 3.8
MCAT 10p/6vb/O/11b-27O
All the good EC, and awards.
research, waiting for publish
3 great letter of recommendation
California resident.
English is my second language, but a 6 on verbal

 

[TexasTriathlete]

You are obviously too dumb for med school, and you should become a ditch digger.

Just kidding. I don't know for sure how this works, but the VR section is hard enough for native speakers, because you have to be so fast. If you can communicate well in english, I think they will overlook the score.

 

[Gpan]

I figure texas is a state full of pricks like you, so I am not surprised.

Just kidding🙄

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I really was just kidding. Also, what is your native language? If it is spanish, that would be a huge plus. Particularly in places like cali, tx, florida, and any big city.

 

[Gpan]

It's not spanish, but I can learn🙂

I really was just kidding. Also, what is your native language? If it is spanish, that would be a huge plus. Particularly in places like cali, tx, florida, and any big city.

 

[whatdapho]

I didn't do that well either on the VR section (i'm a native English speaker) and I did ok in the other two sections. My GPA was 3.5 with EC's here and there plus shadowing/volunteering, etc. With that said, I was accepted to AZCOM in early Oct. and DMU (taken off waitlist early on) in May. So it is possible to get in with that score. Just be prepared to answer why you didn't do well on that section or the MCAT in general. Actually, be prepared to answer anything related to your application since it is fair game. Good luck with this entire process. Now, back to anatomy and that darn brachial plexus

 

[Gpan]

I didn't do that well either on the VR section (i'm a native English speaker) and I did ok in the other two sections. My GPA was 3.5 with EC's here and there plus shadowing/volunteering, etc. With that said, I was accepted to AZCOM in early Oct. and DMU (taken off waitlist early on) in May. So it is possible to get in with that score. Just be prepared to answer why you didn't do well on that section or the MCAT in general. Actually, be prepared to answer anything related to your application since it is fair game. Good luck with this entire process. Now, back to anatomy and that darn brachial plexus

Thank you. So you're saying that there have been people getting accepted with a 6 on verbal? That's comforting to hear. I hope the non-native speaker and the noises in the room when I took it are good enough explanation😳 for that 6.

 

[whatdapho]

Thank you. So you're saying that there have been people getting accepted with a 6 on verbal? That's comforting to hear. I hope the non-native speaker and the noises in the room when I took it are good enough explanation😳 for that 6.

Obviously i'm avoiding anatomy since i responded in maybe 2 minutes. anyhoo, yes it is possible to get in with a 6. however, i think ad com's do take into account a person's communication skills (assessed during the interview) so as long as you're able to talk in complete sentences, you should be fine. verbal is verbal and it sucks for a lot of us. but if you're able to excel in other areas and can communicate effectively, then you should be ok. on a side note, some schools do have minimums for each section so double check each school you apply to. Some have overall minimums and some have sectional minimums. please check so you don't waste your moola. good luck again. oh yeah...if your VR score does come up, make sure your answer is truthful and not a load of BS.

 

[floatingsponge]

Thank you. So you're saying that there have been people getting accepted with a 6 on verbal? That's comforting to hear. I hope the non-native speaker and the noises in the room when I took it are good enough explanation😳 for that 6.

There are many people who have been admitted to medical schools with VR=6. Do a scan on www.mdapplicants.com . Here is the list that I got accepted

You searched for applicants:
Whose applications are complete
MCAT verbal reasoning score of 6
Applied MD/DO and accepted at any medical school
</B>
The following profiles matched your search:
07162 Cal Poly Pomona, 24 MCAT, 3.34 GPA, applied 2007
00855 Cal Riverside, 23 MCAT, 3.42 GPA, applied 2003
02319 Carnegie Mellon, 26 MCAT, 3.04 GPA, applied 2005
00114 Central Michigan University, 20 MCAT, 3.80 GPA, applied 2002
05448 Clemson University, 27 MCAT, 3.98 GPA, applied 2010
02327 College of Charleston, 23 MCAT, 3.59 GPA, applied 2005
05361 Cornell College, 17 MCAT, 2.98 GPA, applied 2006
06244 Harvard College, 32 MCAT, 3.67 GPA, applied 2007
00541 Kent State University, 20 MCAT, 3.80 GPA, applied 2003
05683 Le Moyne College, 21 MCAT, 3.20 GPA, applied 2006
00993 Louisiana State University, 26 MCAT, 4.00 GPA, applied 2004
01399 Michigan State University, 26 MCAT, 3.86 GPA, applied 2004
01822 Northwest Nazarene Univeristy, 24 MCAT, 3.60 GPA, applied 2004
01391 Nova Southeastern University, 22 MCAT, 3.41 GPA, applied 2004
01669 Pacific University, 25 MCAT, 3.50 GPA, applied 2004
05892 Pitzer College, 24 MCAT, 3.70 GPA, applied 2006
02866 Shepherd University, 22 MCAT, 3.56 GPA, applied 2005
00501 State Univ. of West Georgia, 23 MCAT, 3.78 GPA, applied 2003
05355 Anonymous, 28 MCAT, 3.09 GPA, applied 2007
06176 UC Berkeley, 32 MCAT, 3.85 GPA, applied 2007
05267 UC Berkeley, 31 MCAT, 3.87 GPA, applied 2006
01064 UC Davis, 25 MCAT, 3.31 GPA, applied 2004
00216 UCLA, 26 MCAT, 3.45 GPA, applied 2003
08469 UCLA, 25 MCAT, 3.30 GPA, applied 2007
04444 UNC-Asheville, 27 MCAT, 3.49 GPA, applied 2005
00958 United Stated Military Academy, 23 MCAT, 3.20 GPA, applied 2000
01487 University Nebraska Omaha, 22 MCAT, 3.90 GPA, applied 2004
04146 University of California, Irvine, 30 MCAT, 3.85 GPA, applied 2006
03126 University of California, Los Angeles, 26 MCAT, 3.60 GPA, applied 2005
03616 University of California, San Diego, 25 MCAT, 3.59 GPA, applied 2005
06371 University of Central Florida, 24 MCAT, 3.92 GPA, applied 2007
01601 University of Houston, 25 MCAT, 3.87 GPA, applied 2004
05622 University of Manitoba, 31 MCAT, 3.93 GPA, applied 2007
00753 University of Maryland, 23 MCAT, 3.70 GPA, applied 2003
00440 University of Maryland, 23 MCAT, 3.70 GPA, applied 2003
00303 University of Michigan, 20 MCAT, 3.79 GPA, applied 2003
04916 University of Southern Mississippi, 26 MCAT, 3.94 GPA, applied 2006
02687 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 25 MCAT, 3.40 GPA, applied 2005
07649 University of Tennessee-Martin, 22 MCAT, 3.75 GPA, applied 2006

 

[Gpan]

Thanks guys, there's still hope after all.

 

[Navy94]

I got a 5 on the verbal and still got in. I am not a fast reader and like someone said in an earlier post, you've got to be fast. I am a non traditional student with lots of medical and life experiences, which I think is what made up for the crapy verbal score. Anyway, once you get accepted MCAT score doesn't mean anything.

 

[busupshot83]

I am currently applying to dental schools, but am interested in sports medicine. I understand there are quite a few DO's practicing sports medicine nationwide, and their extra training in OMM could be useful when applied to sports. What MCAT score would make me competitive for Osteopathic Schools?

BCP GPA - 3.85
Science GPA - 3.81
Overall GPA - 3.68
Extracurriculars - over 500+ hours of undergraduate research, ESL tutor, golden key international member, national honor society of collegiate scholars member
Other - Brain cancer survivor (I had to utilize exercise in order to strengthen my muscles after my brain surgery, which led to me falling in love with exercise and health)

I know the average MCAT for DO schools is 24 (I believe).

 

[Meatwad]

You'd have to shadow some doctor's, some schools would require DOs specifically. Do you have any good volunteer experience? All I say that could count towards that would be ESL tutor. DO schools really like to see people involved in their community.

They'd probably overlook those shortcomings due to your grades, though. No one can give you a rock-solid answer, but in all honesty, anything over a 26 would get you in somewhere. I'd definitely aim much higher than a 24. I believe the national average of all test-takers is 24, but I thought the average DO matriculant had around a 26 or so.

 

[busupshot83]

You'd have to shadow some doctor's, some schools would require DOs specifically. Do you have any good volunteer experience? All I say that could count towards that would be ESL tutor. DO schools really like to see people involved in their community.

They'd probably overlook those shortcomings due to your grades, though. No one can give you a rock-solid answer, but in all honesty, anything over a 26 would get you in somewhere. I'd definitely aim much higher than a 24. I believe the national average of all test-takers is 24, but I thought the average DO matriculant had around a 26 or so.

So a 24-26 will "probably" get me in, correct? I understand there are no promises when it comes to health school admissions, but I am just trying to get a piece of mind.

I have quite a few DO's I can shadow, so that is not a problem. As for volunteering, I can get right on that too. The Osteopathic medical application cycle begins which month? Also, when is the MCAT administered?

 

[Meatwad]

So a 24-26 will "probably" get me in, correct? I understand there are no promises when it comes to health school admissions, but I am just trying to get a piece of mind.

I have quite a few DO's I can shadow, so that is not a problem. As for volunteering, I can get right on that too. The Osteopathic medical application cycle begins which month? Also, when is the MCAT administered?

June; you'd plan on applying next year, right? It's pretty late right now, since people have already gotten acceptances. Since it's first come first serve, you wouldn't have a great shot, even with good stats (you'd be applying with no MCAT score as well, since results take a month to receive). I think the DAT tells you your score instantly, correct? Unfortunately the MCAT is not as efficient.

The fact you're applying to dental schools is your biggest hurdle. They will know you applied, and may look at you as indecisive. Make sure you have a really solid excuse (your excuse about your illness is good, but they will wonder why you kept pursuing dentistry even after your illness and newfound interest in exercise and health).

Like you said, there's no guarantee in health schools. However, I think with a 3.6 overall and 3.8 BCP, you'd be in good shape. If you could break a 30 and applied early, you'd have an excellent shot at an MD school as well.

Another thing: I see you are Trinidadian. Are you African-American, or are you South-Asian? My friend is Trini, but there is no South-Asian in him at all. However, I know some Trinidadians are essentially of total South-Asian heritage and no African heritage. If you are African-American, applying as an under-represented minority with your GPA would almost make your app a slamdunk.

 

[Meatwad]

About MCAT dates:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/schedulingfaq.htm#1b

 

[busupshot83]

June; you'd plan on applying next year, right? It's pretty late right now, since people have already gotten acceptances. Since it's first come first serve, you wouldn't have a great shot, even with good stats (you'd be applying with no MCAT score as well, since results take a month to receive). I think the DAT tells you your score instantly, correct? Unfortunately the MCAT is not as efficient.

The fact you're applying to dental schools is your biggest hurdle. They will know you applied, and may look at you as indecisive. Make sure you have a really solid excuse (your excuse about your illness is good, but they will wonder why you kept pursuing dentistry even after your illness and newfound interest in exercise and health).

Like you said, there's no guarantee in health schools. However, I think with a 3.6 overall and 3.8 BCP, you'd be in good shape. If you could break a 30 and applied early, you'd have an excellent shot at an MD school as well.

Another thing: I see you are Trinidadian. Are you African-American, or are you South-Asian? My friend is Trini, but there is no South-Asian in him at all. However, I know some Trinidadians are essentially of total South-Asian heritage and no African heritage. If you are African-American, applying as an under-represented minority with your GPA would almost make your app a slamdunk.

I'm not worried about explaining to the schools about my decision to pursue dentistry. The West Indies is made up of 3 major types of people:

1) West Indian African
2) West Indian South Asian
3) Dougla (African and South Asian Mix)

Most West Indians do not consider the Hispanic islands of the West Indies to be "true West Indian." Nations such as Cuba, Puerto Rico are usually grouped with Latin America. My sister-in-law is Cuban, and she doesn't consider herself West Indian. I still don't understand why the West Indian is not considered an ethnicity in health school applications, because we definitely have we own ting going on. I find it sad that most people don't even know we exist... there are only about 10 million West Indians worldwide, and that's being generous with the numbers.

Yes, I am 100% Trini 2 di bone. I am South Asian descent.